Diss businesses prepare to re-open ahead of lockdown loosening

Businesses have begun to introduce a number of social distancing measures as they prepare to reopen the local economy over the coming weeks.

Shoppers can expect to have to adhere by a series of protocols, such as two customer limits and sanitation stations, while South Norfolk Council has allowed traders to extend their operating hours – all in an effort to get the town’s economy back on track after weeks of enforced closure.

Mary Blackbourn, owner of 121 Computers in Victoria Road, which is reopening next week, said: “The counter is now completely enclosed by a plastic screen from counter to ceiling and a sanitiser station has been position at the entrance.

“Only two people will be allowed into the shop at a time and they will have to stay two metres apart at all times, while a one-way system has also been implemented.”

At Ratiobox, an accounts service in Hopper Way, ‘work pods’ have been set up for staff to safely work without infringing on the space of others, alongside a number measures limiting face-to-face contact with staff.

Manager Oliver Oakshott said: “It won’t be the same as it was before. Things have changed in regards to the way people do business.

“Sanitation stations have been set up in clearly marked areas of the workplace as reminders for members of staff to regularly sanitise or wash their hands when moving around the office.

“Also, each member of staff is encouraged to carry a company-provided personal hand sanitiser on to make this process easier.”

South Norfolk Council has said that it is taking a “pragmatic and flexible approach” to easing the transition out of lockdown.

The authority has extended the hours that businesses are allowed to operate, meaning shops could be open well into the evening, and will be putting up bollards to allow for outdoor seating areas to help with hospitality services.

South Norfolk Council leader John Fuller said: “We need to take a pragmatic and flexible approach to helping businesses.

“If that means doing things differently and finding new ways to work, then that is what we will do.”

“We are taking a positive approach in allowing businesses to extend their operating hours.

“This will help to compensate for the social distancing restrictions that are still in place and will mean that some sites will be able to operate for longer.

Cllr Fuller added: “While we continue to look after our most vulnerable residents, the recovery phase will be led by district councils working closely with our local businesses and supporting our market towns.

“We understand local issues and we are best placed to offer the help and support required to get our economy working again. That way, we will not only keep roofs over people’s heads, we will also help keep them in jobs.”

The council is planning to release a detailed overview of how Diss town centre will be changed in the wake of lockdown next week.